What happens when we place humans at the center of every workplace decision? Anne-Catherine Nielsen, founder of Equo Magna, brings her rich experience from the hospitality industry to tackle this question in a conversation that couldn't be more timely.

In a post-pandemic world where employees are reevaluating their relationship with work, Nielsen offers invaluable insights into what truly matters. "There's been a search for meaning since the pandemic," she notes, highlighting how today's workforce seeks purpose beyond a paycheck. This shift has created both challenges and opportunities for employers.

Anne Catherine's perspective on leadership transformation is particularly compelling. "The market conditions are going to create better leaders," she observes, explaining the need for organizations to move toward more human-centered approaches. The conversation explores how toxic workplace cultures simply cannot sustain themselves and how accountability balanced with recognition creates environments where people can thrive authentically.

The discussion goes beyond theory, offering practical insights on team dynamics, leveraging technology while preserving human connection, and creating psychologically safe spaces where feedback—even "grumbling"—becomes a powerful tool for improvement. Anne Catherine's background in both hospitality and HR creates a unique lens for understanding how treating employees well directly translates to customer satisfaction and business success.

Whether you're a leader seeking to transform your organization's culture or an employee navigating today's changing workplace landscape, this conversation provides actionable wisdom for creating more human-centered workplaces. As Anne Catherine reminds us, at the end of every decision, product, or service, there's always a human being.

In this episode of Uncover the Human, hosts Cristina Amigoni and Alex Cullimore welcome back returning guest Eimear Zone to explore one of the most universally challenging yet empowering topics in personal and professional life: setting boundaries. Building on her course The Elegant No, Eimear dives into how boundaries are not acts of rejection but reflections of values, connection, and self-respect. The conversation uncovers how resentment, conflict avoidance, and people-pleasing often stem from unspoken needs, and how authenticity and clarity are essential to forming meaningful relationships at home and at work.

Together, the hosts and guest examine why boundaries are often difficult to express, especially when power dynamics are at play, and how practicing “elegant no’s” allows us to show up with integrity and preserve trust. With insights rooted in empathy, values-alignment, and self-awareness, the episode invites listeners to rethink boundaries not as walls, but as bridges to deeper, healthier connections. Eimear also shares practical tips for articulating boundaries clearly and compassionately, making this a must-listen for anyone ready to reclaim their energy, voice, and authenticity.

In this episode of Uncover the Human, hosts Cristina Amigoni and Alex Cullimore explore the intersection of authenticity, community, and well-being with guest Michael Niyompong, Chief Engagement Officer at the Mental Health Center of Denver. The conversation opens with reflections on what it means to live authentically, not as a curated version of oneself but as a full expression of who we are. Michael shares his personal journey of rediscovering well-being, rooted in relationships, mentorship, and community support. His story highlights how his professional and personal paths converged through a network of trusted connections that led him to his current role—one that aligns with his core values of service and joy.

Throughout the episode, Michael expands on how the Mental Health Center of Denver prioritizes community-defined well-being. He describes innovative initiatives like the Dahlia Campus urban farm and permanent supportive housing, which go beyond clinical mental health services to address food security, housing, and access—critical social determinants of health. The conversation also explores the challenges of maintaining well-being within caregiving professions, the impact of the pandemic on connection and access, and the organization's efforts to support staff through intentional practices like catalytic coaching and modeling self-care. Ultimately, the episode offers a moving and practical blueprint for embedding authenticity, community, and compassion into leadership and organizational culture.